Orchard Park has been awarded $120,000 in federal funding to develop a new Bills Stadium Safe Streets Action Plan, Congressman Nick Langworthy announced Friday.
The Bills Stadium Safe Streets Action Plan is a comprehensive safety action plan focused on improving pedestrian, bicycle and motorist safety in the area surrounding the new Highmark Stadium. It will seek to assess existing conditions and recommend targeted infrastructure improvements, including wider sidewalks, upgraded curb ramps, and enhanced crosswalks, with an emphasis on reducing fatal and serious-injury crashes.
“The construction of this new stadium represents a transformational opportunity and marks the beginning of a new era for Orchard Park and Western New York,” said Langworthy. “Highmark Stadium is a major destination for our region, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans each year, and it is critical that the surrounding infrastructure keeps residents, visitors, and fans safe. This federal investment will help Supervisor Joe Liberti and the Town of Orchard Park plan smart, commonsense safety improvements that benefit the community on game days and year-round. Generations of fans have made the trip to Orchard Park to cheer on the Bills, and this funding will help ensure that tradition continues safely as Bills Mafia moves into its new home.”
Additionally, the Safe Streets Action Plan will include an inventory of current roadway and pedestrian conditions, design recommendations, project phasing, and a clear implementation roadmap.
“The Town of Orchard Park is proud to be the home of the Buffalo Bills. Hundreds of thousands of fans travel to Orchard Park each season, and this important funding will help keep residents and visitors safe as they travel to and around Highmark Stadium. I want to thank Congressman Langworthy for his leadership and support as well as the dedicated Bills fans who make Orchard Park such a special place on game days and throughout the year,” Town of Orchard Park Supervisor Joe Liberti said.
Funding for the new plan comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program.